Overview
The Power Creek Trail outside Cordova is one of the best arguments for making the extra effort to reach Chugach National Forest's more remote corners. The Kenai Peninsula trails are excellent and accessible, but their accessibility brings proportional crowds. Power Creek is a fundamentally different experience: a steep valley that rises from near sea level into an alpine bowl ringed by hanging glaciers, with waterfalls cascading off cliffs that block the horizon and a USFS cabin at the trail's end that remains available on weekends when Resurrection Pass cabins are booked six months out.
Getting to Cordova requires a ferry or small plane from Anchorage or Valdez, which filters the visitor numbers dramatically. The town of Cordova sits in the heart of the Copper River Delta, one of the most productive salmon and shorebird ecosystems on the continent. The Power Creek watershed feeds into this system, which is part of why bear activity along the trail is high, particularly in late August when salmon are running.
The trail climbs 2,500 feet over 4.3 miles, which makes it genuinely strenuous. The upper portion moves through open alpine terrain with views of multiple named glaciers on the surrounding peaks. The Power Creek cabin sits near the valley head and is the practical turnaround for most hikers. Before traveling to Cordova, check the conditions guide and contact the Cordova Ranger District for current trail status and crossing conditions.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: Lower Valley and Forest
The trail begins at a gravel pullout on the Power Creek Road outside Cordova and enters a mature spruce forest immediately. The lower section is relatively moderate in grade, following the creek through habitat that is excellent for bears and eagles. Watch for salmon in the creek during late summer runs. The trail is generally well-defined through this section, though vegetation can crowd the path in midsummer. At about mile 1.5, a footbridge provides safe crossing of the main creek.
Miles 2 to 3.5: Canyon and Waterfall Section
The valley narrows and steepens as the trail climbs into the canyon section. Waterfalls appear on the walls above, fed by snowmelt and glacial runoff from the hanging glaciers above. This is the most dramatic section of the trail visually and the steepest in terms of grade. The trail surface becomes rocky and rooted. Several smaller creek crossings may require rock-hopping or wading in high water.
Miles 3.5 to 4.3: Upper Valley and Cabin
Above the canyon, the valley opens into a broad alpine bowl. Hanging glaciers are visible on three sides, calving occasional ice chunks onto the cliffs below. The terrain flattens slightly in the final mile to the Power Creek cabin, which sits on a bench with views back down the valley. This is the turnaround for day hikers. Overnight visitors at the cabin have time to explore the moraine and glacier margins above. Return the same route.
When to Visit
June through September offers the best conditions. Snow lingers in the upper valley into June, and the canyon crossings can be dangerously high during snowmelt in May and early June. July and August are typically the driest months, though Cordova is one of the rainiest communities in Alaska, averaging over 160 inches of precipitation annually. Waterproof gear is not optional.
Late August combines the best berry picking with active salmon runs and the highest likelihood of bear sightings. September brings fall color and far fewer other hikers.
What to Bring
- Bear spray, accessible at all times. Brown bears are frequently encountered on this trail.
- Bear canister or hanging system for overnight stays. The cabin has a cache, but proper storage practices matter from the trailhead onward.
- Full waterproof rain gear. Cordova's rainfall totals make this mandatory, not optional.
- Trekking poles for creek crossings and the steep upper trail.
- Many hikers carry 2-3 liters of water capacity; stream water should be treated before drinking.
- Satellite communicator. No cell service exists in the Power Creek drainage.
- Sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support.
Practical Details
No fee or permit is required for day hiking or dispersed camping as of 2026. The Power Creek cabin requires a Recreation.gov reservation (approximately $45-65/night as of 2026). No restrooms exist on trail. Leave No Trace practices, including proper food storage and waste disposal, are essential in active bear habitat. See bear canister requirements for current guidance.
The Leave No Trace principles guide covers food storage, waste practices, and behavior in wildlife-heavy terrain.
Getting There
Cordova is accessible by Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Valdez (approximately 6 hours) or Whittier. Alaska Airlines and small air carriers offer flights from Anchorage to Cordova (about 50 minutes). From Cordova, the Power Creek Road is accessible by the local road system. The trailhead is roughly 5 miles from downtown Cordova. A map of Cordova's local roads is available at the Cordova Ranger District office downtown.
Rental vehicles in Cordova are limited. Many visitors rent bicycles or arrange rides with local outfitters for trailhead access.